WASHINGTON, D.C. - In letters to
Congress, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) this week urged leaders
in the House and Senate to quickly enact food safety reforms. The letters
were also signed by: Food Marketing Institute, American Frozen Food
Institute, International Bottled Water Association, International Dairy Foods
Association, National Fisheries Institute, National Restaurant Association,
Retail Industry Leaders Association, Snack Food Association and United Fresh
Produce Association.

“With a focus on
prevention, the food and beverage industry is committed to partnering with
Congress, the Obama Administration and the FDA to strengthen and modernize
our nation’s food safety system,” said GMA President and CEO Pam Bailey. “The
Food and Drug Administration must be given better tools and more authority to
prevent contamination of the nation's food supplies if we are to maintain our
position of global leadership and assure consumer confidence.”

For copies of the
letters, please contact Scott Openshaw at
sopenshaw@gmaonline.org or (202) 295-3957.

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The Grocery
Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world’s leading food, beverage
and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public
policy, champions initiatives that increase
productivity and growth and helps to protect the safety and security of the
food supply through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is
comprised of chief executive officers from the Association’s member
companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods
industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in
added value to the nation’s economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web
site at www.gmaonline.org